Who do I turn to for grading: Collector ponders grading options

Readers Ask column from the April 21, 2014. issue of Coin World

Each of the four major grading services has its own set of published grading service guidelines, accessible at each respective service’s website.

I am new at this game, and I bought some About Uncirculated and Mint State (I think) Trade and Morgan dollars, and some other coins. How do I go about getting them certified?

David Smith

Via email

Each major grading service, including Professional Coin Grading Service, Numismatic Guaranty Corp., ANACS and Independent Coin Grading, has its own set of coin submission guidelines.

Guidelines may allow for direct submission to the grading service for authentication and grading or, depending on the submission option, may require submission through an authorized dealer approved by the particular grading service.

PCGS and NGC normally require grading submissions to be made through dealers that have been authorized by those services to submit coins for grading consideration.

However, both PCGS and NGC offer options that allow for direct submissions.

PCGS has its Collectors Club and NGC its Collectors Society, each of which charges a specific fee depending on the level and duration of membership.

The fees the grading service charge for submissions, whether direct or through an authorized dealer, depend on the level of service desired, often noted as “turnaround time,” the type and number of coins submitted, variety attribution, and other additional services desired.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.